When the Dinner Party Gets Canceled

Hey! It’s been a minute. Something I’m still learning in my first year of social media is how to genuinely unplug and take time away from my phone, which is fitting, because that’s exactly what this day turned into.

There’s a weird pressure I was putting on myself to capture our tables so perfectly, and honestly, why?! Every beautiful moment, every candle lit, part of my brain is asking if I’m getting it on camera. Nobody really prepares you for that part of being a “hosting creator.” The thing you absolutely love becomes the thing you capture, and it’s hard to tell if you’re actually at the table or just documenting it.

Tonight I did film. But it was different, because it was for me more than anything. And what I got in return was one of the most present evenings I've had around our table in a while, never once worrying about what kind of content I was walking away with. Maybe moving forward I'll think more about capturing the story for myself to look back on. I have a feeling you might prefer it that way too.

We had a whole dinner party lined up. A bunch of siblings (and significant others) were coming home, and then two of them, Miles and Madison, both got stuck and couldn’t make it. So I was already a little bummed that not everybody would be there. Then the forecast turned the entire weekend into a torrential downpour. We could have still gone to the lake and pulled off the extravagant theme we’d planned (which I’m not revealing, because I’m absolutely saving it for another dinner party). But we ultimately decided, it might be nice to just have a day around the house with the whole fam, like the good ol’ days!

It ended up being one of my favorite days of the summer.

There’s something about summer rain that sets the mood exactly right. There was not a single streak of sun all day, and I loved it. We kept the door open and listened to it come down.

We turned on a movie, and Baker’s girlfriend, Emma, who loves Bananagrams, started a game. I’m starting to think she only recommends it because she’s suspiciously good. Every time we play, she wins. Then we found out it was National Spritz Day, and Lila insisted we make Hugos. Dad committed to a run in the rain for fresh mint before anyone could protest.

• 1 oz elderflower liqueur

• 3 oz prosecco

• 1 oz sparkling water

• (clapped) fresh mint

• lime wheel

Build over ice in a fun glass, give a gentle stir, and garnish with mint and lime!

The funny part of this whole thing is that Mom was still insistent on making a great dinner. We prefer to eat in when the whole family is in town. You don’t have to worry about how long you’re sitting at the table, and we feel like the home gives way to more intimate conversation. The home is a place for depth in a way a restaurant doesn’t always allow. Late afternoon mom made tomato confit with whipped ricotta paired with gluten-free sourdough as an appetizer. For dinner, Mom made her iconic rosemary garlic lamb chops. We’ve made them before, and they are genuinely so easy. Once the rain slowed down, we grilled them outside. She made her sandwich caprese salad, which you’ve seen many a time at this point, but this round she used different colored heirlooms, so each salad was a full rainbow. And then we set the table beautifully, because Katie gifted us the most gorgeous candle holders from her mom’s boutique. Go support her mother’s shop, Iris & Poppy, it is truly delightful and we love her! Full tableware details for this night are right here.

For dessert, a peach and blackberry crisp. That recipe is coming soon with a dinner party, so you’re going to have to hold out a little longer.

That was the meal, and it was a really greay night. No theme, no place cards, no plan. Just rain, everyone who could make it, and night around the table together.

Until the next table,

Georgia & Annette